PUD breaks ground on heritage center

MATTAWA - Construction on a new heritage facility is under way after Grant County PUD officials broke ground on a center to showcase the Wanapum culture recently.

Located on Wanapum ancestral land near Priest Rapids Dam, the Wanapum Heritage Center comes with a $20 million price tag.

According to a PUD release, the 50,000 square-foot heritage center will have space for temporary and permanent cultural displays, a repository and collection facility, a library and room for conferences and culture programs.

The facility will help protect and preserve the traditions of the Wanapum Band of Priest Rapids. Since the Wanapum have always supported PUD projects in the area, public utility officials say they wanted to provide an outlet for the tribe to display their traditional culture and religious lifestyle.

"This new Wanapum Heritage Center is a solid example of the power and trust between Grant PUD and the Wanapum Band," PUD interim general manager Tony Webb said in the release. "By working together, future generations will understand the importance of the natural resources along the Columbia River."

Construction on the heritage center is scheduled to be completed by summer 2014.